NCCE SOUTH TONGU DISTRICT INTENSIFIES CITIZENSHIP WEEK OUTREACH IN BASIC SCHOOLS

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) South Tongu District continued this year’s Citizenship Week activities with an extensive school outreach programme across six basic schools in the district. The engagement forms part of NCCE’s annual national campaign that runs each year to build civic consciousness and constitutional awareness among young Ghanaians.

Citizenship Week is designed to reach students at the basic level, mainly Junior High School and sometimes upper primary, so that the values of good citizenship are nurtured from an early age. This year’s theme, “Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age”, places emphasis on responsible citizenship at a time when social media and digital platforms play a central role in the lives of young people.

The officers visited Toklokpo D/A Basic, Hlevi D/A Basic, Dabala Junction R.C JHS, Dabala Junction D/A JHS, Alesikpe D/A JHS, and Dar-ul-Arqam Islamic Basic School. At each school, the officers held interactive sessions with students from upper primary and JHS levels. The focus of all the lessons was Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the Duties of the Citizen. By concentrating on this single provision, the officers ensured that students understood that being Ghanaian comes with responsibilities that must be taken seriously alongside rights.

A major part of the engagement addressed the digital space. Using relatable examples from WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook, officers discussed how Article 41 duties extend to online behavior. Students were cautioned against the spread of fake news, cyberbullying, hate speech, and disrespectful content that damages reputations and creates division. The officers emphasized that the same Constitution that protects freedom of expression also demands responsibility. The key message delivered to every student was clear: their phones and social media accounts are powerful tools. Used wisely, they can promote peace, unity, and truth. Used carelessly, they can destroy trust and harm others. In the digital age, upholding the Constitution means thinking before posting and treating others online with the same respect expected offline.

The interactive nature of the sessions allowed students to ask questions about their role as young citizens. Officers responded by linking civic duties to the future of South Tongu. They stressed that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, artisans, teachers, nurses, and public servants. The way they treat public property, respect authority, and conduct themselves online now will shape the kind of district and country they will inherit and lead.

At the end of each visit, teachers at the various schools expressed appreciation for the engagement. They called for more regular visits by the Commission to reinforce civic education and build a culture of constitutionalism from the basic level.

Through this outreach, NCCE South Tongu reaffirmed its commitment to educating Ghanaians on their civic responsibilities. By reaching six schools in one day, the district office demonstrated that the work of building a constitutionally conscious citizenry must start early and continue consistently.